When you search how long do golf gloves last on Google, you will see a common theme of answers ranging from six to ten rounds. However, in my twenty-eight years in this game, I have seen players destroy gloves in a round of golf. However, others last for months.

The point is the question is not black or white. Multiple factors are often not considered, such as the glove’s material or the strength of one’s grip. In this post, I focus on my experience with gloves to help you determine which scenario fits your situation.

How Long Do Golf Gloves Typically Last?

Invictus Gloves out of Montreal, Canada, suggests that the life of your golf gloves on average does not exceed ten rounds. However, this depends on the strength of your grip how you take it off and maintain it.

For example, if you pull your glove off from your fingers, you will cause this area and cause it to rip. Furthermore, those who grip a golf club tightly may find the palm rip rapidly, compared to a golfer with a softer hold.

In addition, Golfweek explains that while Cabretta leather golf gloves offer a superior feel, they wear out faster than hybrid or synthetic gloves. Therefore, a player using a synthetic glove may find that they enjoy a better grip for longer compared to premium leather golf gloves.

My golf gloves last approximately twenty rounds, which works out to four months. I take care of my gloves and have a softer grip than others. That helps ensure they remain durable and provide optimal grip for as long as possible.

I have tried synthetic and Cabretta leather gloves. However, the modern hybrid design offers the high quality of a leather glove, with the dexterity of a synthetic glove.

Contrary to my solid golf glove record, my late father would rip one every two to three rounds. The circumference of his left hand was wider than a regular glove. If he had used a cadet glove, I doubt he would have ripped as many.

After racking up the bills from glove acquisitions, my old man took the Ben Hogan and Fred Couples route and stopped wearing one altogether.

Besides your grip and hand shape, how you store and wash golf gloves impacts their lifespan. The quicker you remove dirt from the surface, the less damage it will invoke on the grip and durability of the mitt.

As you can see, there is no one size fits all approach to the life of the golf glove. However, if you had to put an average on it, the Invictus glove is not far off with the assumption of ten rounds of golf.

Do More Expensive Gloves Last Longer?

Surprisingly, more expensive gloves do not last long. According to Golfweek, Cabretta Leather are the most expensive glove on the market, but they wear out faster than a synthetic or hybrid construction.

Leather gloves combine with precisely positioned perforations to encourage optimal airflow through the glove to reduce perspiration. The quality of the glove from a feeling and comfort perspective is unmatchable.

However, if you wear leather gloves on a hot day, your sweat, coupled with the sun’s rays, will cause the leather to contract. That makes it challenging to get on and off.

That is in contrast to synthetic gloves, which deliver superior durability but reduce airflow. As a result, you can sweat profusely if you do not take this glove off between shots.

How to Make Golf Gloves Last Longer

Remove The Glove Gently

How often do you yank at the fingers of your glove and violently tug at it to remove it from your hand? I am also guilty as charged. You need to stop doing that and be more delicate with the glove.

Pulling hard at your glove can stretch the material leading to a loose fit and a dysfunctional product. I suggest undoing the velcro or the glove’s clip, then sliding the glove off your palm and thumb. Next, apply pressure on your four fingers to create leverage and slide them out of the glove.

Therefore, you do not stretch your glove or tear the material while removing it.

Keep Two Gloves In Your Bag

Although some gloves feature moisture-wicking qualities to repel sweat, not all of them succeed. The material of a golf glove, combined with sweat, can cause it to contract, between disfigured and uncomfortable.

That is why the best way to avoid this scenario is to keep a replacement glove in your golf bag. If you find that your hands are sweating excessively, switch out the glove to maintain your grip on the club. When you swing with excess moisture on your hands, it can cause the club to slip and go flying.

Remove It Between Shots

Another way to limit the impact that sweat has on your hands is by removing the glove between shots. You have probably seen pro golfers do the same. I recommend it because it airs your hand and restricts the amount of moisture that circulates inside your glove.

For added convenience, store your glove in your back pocket between shots. Make sure that the palm of the glove sits inside your back pocket, with the fingers sticking out. That way, you do not impede the shape of the glove.

Keep in mind that despite their higher price, leather gloves are typically non-washable, as the water dehydrates the leather and shrinks it.

Keep It Clean

Before you clean your glove, check whether it can go in a washing machine or needs to be hand washed. Your gloves are bound to pick up dust particles and mud rapidly. That is why I suggest cleaning them frequently for maximum grip and comfort.

Grip Your Club Softer

Another way to increase the lifespan of your glove is to loosen your grip slightly. When you strangle the club, you put excess pressure on the material of your glove, causing it to tear around the palm region.

Take It Off For Your Short Game

Other than airing your hand, I suggest removing your glove when your wedges or putter is in hand. Not wearing a glove in your short game helps you increase the feel of the club to produce supreme control around the green.

Store It In Its Packaging

Once your round is complete, straighten out the glove to ensure the correct shape and place it back into its packaging. That protects it from becoming misconfigured or torn while resting in your golf bag.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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I opted not to wear a glove for most of my life because I preferred to feel the golf grips in my hands for optimal feedback. Over time, calluses built up on my fingers, prompting me to start using one.

On the opposite end of the spectrum – a few readers recently asked if you can wear two gloves in golf?

Yes, you can use two gloves in golf, and nothing prevents you from doing that. While it prevents blisters on both hands, it reduces the feel and feedback on shots, which I am not personally a fan of.

In this post, I will unpack the features and benefits of using two gloves to help you decide if it works for you. In addition, I have included the 3 best golf gloves for 2022.

Why do Golfers Typically Only Play with One Glove?

This is a question I have made to every golf coach, pro, and equipment expert I have ever known. I usually get the response that a golfer wears the glove on their lead hand, which is common knowledge. By the way, your left hand is your lead if you are a right-hander, while the opposite is true for lefties.

My ulterior motive for wearing a single glove is that I enjoy having one part of my hand on the rubber grip. This improves my feel and feedback, which I desire on all shots. I take it a step further on short-game shots and remove my glove.

Professionals and amateurs employ a glove on the hand that goes at the top of their grip. This is the hand that maintains the stability of the golf club on your backswing and guides the clubface into place on the downswing. As a result, it creates increased friction with the grip and can rip your palm to shreds.

Can You Wear Two Gloves Instead of One?

Nothing is stopping you from making like Tommy and using Two Gloves. It boils down to personal preference and what provides the highest level of comfort. I also know golfers who wear gloves on both hands in the rain. They do it purely for increased traction, to achieve a good grip in miserable weather.

The point is there are different strokes for different folks, and preferences vary. The core objective is to ensure maximum traction and control of your golf club while keeping your hand comfortable.

Pros Who Use Two Gloves

Other than the South Carolina native, Gainey, no two glove-wearing pros come to mind. At least, not under normal circumstances. If you haven’t witnessed Two Gloves Gainey in action, here is a video of one of his better shots on the PGA Tour.

You will find tour pros wearing two gloves in wet weather, but those are extenuating circumstances. Once again, it is a matter of personal preference, and some pros may, in its place, prefer using a single waterproof glove in the rain.

Which Hand Does The Glove Go On, and Why?

When you use one golf glove, it fits onto your lead hand. That is your right hand if you are lefty, and your left if you are right-handed. The purpose for this is the friction your lead hand creates during your golf swing.

For example, the left mitt ensures the stability of your golf club on your backswing for right-handers. This keeps your clubhead on a path to make it easier to drop the clubface into position on your downswing.

Ultimately, your lead hand creates added friction from takeaway through impact,  leaving it susceptible to blisters and calluses.

3 of My Favorite Golf Gloves

1. TaylorMade Stratus Tech Glove

The TaylorMade Stratus Tech glove is the best option for hot and humid conditions. This durable construction produces exceptional breathability, 4-way stretch, and traction.

TaylorMade employed a combination of Hypertec material and leather to increase comfort without impacting durability. In addition, two gloves are included in this package to ensure that you always have a spare on hand.

Furthermore, the Stratus Tech is littered with perforations around the palm and fingers. The aim is to encourage maximum airflow through the glove to restrict the build-up of sweat. Therefore, your hand remains cool, dry, and comfortable while wearing the glove.

Lastly, the design team crafted the Stratus Tech glove with 4-way stretchable material. That means your palm and wrist enjoy optimal freedom of movement on your back and downswing. As a result, you can generate the needed power to execute a long, straight shot.

Pros

• Optimal breathability
• Maximum freedom of movement
• Provides exceptional grip in humid conditions
• Comfortable
• Keeps your hand cool and dry

Cons

• The fit is smaller than usual, so consider one size larger

FootJoy FLX Cadet Glove

If your palms are wider and your fingertips shorter than usual, you need a cadet golf glove. The extra width increases your comfort and the lifespan of your glove. The Footjoy FLX Cadet is my top pick for this category.

The FLX Cadet sports a 3-directional comfort closure to ensure that glove is securely fastened when you swing your golf club. Plus, this design reduces the tension and pressure felt at the closure point for added support.

Furthermore, a comfortable wrist elastic appears on the back of the glove to provide an ideal fit without strangling your hand. Therefore, it reduces pressure in this area to increase the freedom of motion while swinging.

FootJoy was not done with comfort yet. They decided to employ perforations on the knuckles and fingers to enhance breathability. The moisture control system works to keep your hand dry and cool to restrict the build-up of sweat.

Finally, the FLX Cadet glove is concocted with Cabretta leather. The leather offers an exceptionally soft, pleasant feel for the ultimate in luxury.

Pros

• Built for golfers with wider palms and shorter fingers
• Enhanced moisture control
• Superior comfort
• Soft feel
• Optimal grip

Cons

• Reduced durability and lifespan

Callaway Weather Spann Glove

As much as we love to play golf with blue skies and sun in the sky, that is not always possible. That is why you need a glove that can handle all conditions. The first prize is to acquire separated gloves to handle each scenario. However, if you are on a budget and need a two-in-one option, the Callaway Weather Spann Glove is one choice.

This is my top all-weather pick, and it is surprisingly affordable. It provides excellent durability, flex, and comfort for an all-around performance. Starting with the 4-way stretch synthetics, which feature around the knuckles. This is done to increase the flexibility around this area for superior support.

Furthermore, an Opti-Fit adjustable velcro closure gives you the power to secure your glove as tightly as is necessary. That way, you are assured it will not move or come loose on your backswing.

Callaway went a step further than most manufacturers on the breathability front. The team added perforations to the palm, top of the hand, and fingers. This promotes a cool breeze to consistently enter the inside of the glove and keeps your hand dry in warm weather.

Moreover, the design added reinforced palm patches to boost your grip in all weather. Therefore, whether it is scorching outside or the rain is bucketing down, you have the traction required to control your golf club.

Pros

• Exceptional breathability
• 4-way stretch synthetics
• Affordable
• Comfortable
• It provides increased traction in the wet

Cons

• The perforated holes can cause water to seep into the grip in heavy rain

FAQ

Why do pro golfers remove their glove after every shot?

The main purpose for pro golfers removing their glove after every shot is to air dry their hand out and keep it free of sweat. Admittedly, some golfers take it off after every strike because it is part of their routine.

Should I Wear 1 or 2 Gloves?

I suggest wearing 1 glove so that one hand is exposed to the rubber of the grip. This allows your bottom hand to experience the feel of the club at address and the feedback at impact. I like this because I can feel where I struck the club in the face and why the ball ended where it did.

Related Reading: Those golfers satisfied with a single glove setup should read our review on how long golf gloves last.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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Filthy golf gloves are a common sight for amateurs who pay no attention to them. The dirtier a glove grows, the less traction it provides and the shorter its lifespan.

In this article, I will teach you how to clean golf gloves to help you look the part and improve friction.

The majority of designs do handle machine washing as they are fragile creations. Therefore, you typically need to hand wash golf gloves. I will take you through each step to execute this delicate cycle without damaging your property.

Can You Wash Golf Gloves?

Yes, you can wash gloves. However, they are delicate products, requiring most to be hand-washed with care. Although some designs allow for machine washing, it is suggested you induce a delicate cycle. Otherwise, it can lead the material to rip or peel, reducing the lifespan of even a new golf glove.

In addition, your washing machine may swamp your golf glove with excess moisture, which reduces traction and flexibility.

Furthermore, you can prolong the lifespan of your golf gloves, if you maintain, clean, and care for them. Our review titled How Long Do Golf Gloves Last, explains everything you need to know.

How to Clean Your Golf Gloves in 9 Easy Steps

Step 1: Brush Off Surface Dirt

Before adding soap and water to the equation, you must prep your glove for cleaning. Grab a soft-bristle brush and gently remove top layer debris, dust, and grime. The most effective approach is to wear your glove so that it is totally outstretched, to reach every nook and cranny.

This clears the path for you to thoroughly remove the deep-seated mud, perspiration, and grime mixture on the glove.

Step 2: Rub Dirt Stains With Mild Detergent

Once the top layer of dust is removed, turn your attention to the visible dirt marks on the material. Apply a light dosage of liquid soap to the stain, and activate your elbow grease to remove it.

I find that it is easier to execute this step while you are wearing the glove. If it fits on your left hand, use your right index finger to rub the detergent. In the event that your fingers prove futile, employ an old toothbrush. The bristles will work the soap into the dirt and remove glazed filth from the mark.

Should the detergent fail, there is always the option of coating the glove in a cocktail of vinegar and water. Others suggest salt or baking soda, but vinegar remains my most reliable backup plan.

Another trick my wife taught me is to add a dash of mild bleach to a damp cloth and rub it into the stain. Alternatively, you can squeeze a touch of bleach onto your fingertip and work your elbow grease.

Step 3: Fill A Bucket With Cold Water and Soap

Some golfers forego the bowl of soapy water and simply throw a glass of cold h20 onto the glove while wearing it. Then, you rub your hands together like you’re washing them with sanitizer or soap. In addition, some players brush their gloves to loosen deep-rooted dirt.

This technique helps remove elements of dirt and sweat, but like any shortcut, it does not offer a long-term fix.

I suggest conducting a thorough cleaning for optimal results. Pour approximately 8.5-ounces of cool water into a bucket, sink, or bowl. Never use hot or warm water because it can damage the golf glove’s shape, size, and traction. Source the mildest of cleaning detergents, and stir in approximately 2-tablespoons of the product.

Step 4: Swish Your Glove Through The Soapy Warm Water

Now that my cool soapy water is ready, it is time to bust some grime. I have witnessed many peers suggest soaking the glove in the water, which I do not recommend. My main gripe boils down to the excess moisture that builds up on the glove because of this method.

It increases your washing time because you need to thoroughly squeeze out the water from the palm and fingers of the glove. Failure to remove this water can impact its texture and fit in the long run.

I hold the bottom of the glove between my index finger and thumb and gently splash it through the soapy concoction. This layers my mitt with sufficient liquid and detergent to get the job done. Swish it through the water until it is damp and soapy enough to execute a clean.

Step 5: Rub The Glove Gently Against Your Other Hand

There are two ways to initiate this step. The first is to put your glove on while the other sees you hold it in the palm of your hand. If you are a lefty, place the glove on your right hand, then splash your left mit across the water.

Rub your hands together as if you were washing them. This helps you dislodge underlying grime and ensure clean golf gloves.

The second option is to hold the glove in the palm of your hand and rub it against your other palm. As with the first approach, this loosens deep-rooted debris and sweat. If dirt remains, pull out a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush and tenderly scrub the area to lift the remaining gunk.

Step 6 – Press The Remain Water From The Fingers and Palm Area

Cease the washing process, and focus on removing additional water from the interior of your golf glove. Start from the top of the pinky finger, and press all the way down, repeating the process for each finger.

When the fingers are cleared of excess moisture, turn your attention to the palm area of the glove. Ensure that the glove is no longer soaking, and prepare for the drying process.

Step 7: Place It on a Towel

Open a dry hand or golf towel, and place your clean glove in the middle. Fold the towel twice, and squeeze it between your palms, to extract any remaining water or soap. Then rub the towel in your hands mildly to dry the surface of the mit. Unfold the towel, and remove the glove for the penultimate step.

Step 8: Turn Fingers Inside-Out

Once the first round of drying is complete, you need to turn your glove inside out. This step is purposed to drain water that may be hiding in the glove’s interior. The easiest way to execute this task is to put the glove off and dislodge it from the wrist area upwards.

Press the glove between your two palms and extract the remaining moisture from the inside. Once it is no longer soaking, you can proceed to the final task.

Step 9: Pull The Fingers Down

The final step, post-cleaning, is to return the glove to its original form. Insert your hand, and lift the material from the wrist up. Turn the glove outside-in to achieve the original shape, and ensure that the glove is outstretched as if you were wearing it.

You are ready to enter the drying process at this stage, which I will touch on below.

Tips for Drying Your Golf Gloves

Air Dry

There is only one way to dry your glove without impacting its feel, fit, and traction. This is the good old air dry approach. That means you must leave your glove in a room overnight to dehydrate. You can add a fan into the mix if you wish to speed up the process slightly.

Although you may feel tempted to throw the glove in the tumble dryer, I forbid you from such reckless behavior. The dryer will speed up the process, but it can damage the composition of the glove, causing it to shrink in some cases.

While a hair dryer is less damaging to a glove, I recommend avoiding this shortcut as well. Excess heat on the glove may shrink or damage its texture and feel.

Leave the glove out overnight, and allow the air to get to work. Make sure that you plan in advance to clean your glove. Do not do it the morning before a round. Because it will likely remain damp during your round of golf.

Furthermore, do not leave your glove in the sun to dry, as the UV rays can induce color disfiguration. That leaves you with a glove that looks like it should be in a museum.

FAQ

How Do I Stop My Golf Glove From Smelling?

Frequently following the steps in this guide, and washing your glove, will prevent foul odors from overrunning it. In addition, you can always sprinkle a dash of baby or foot powder into your glove after your round. It has worked to freshen up my glove in the past.

The reason most gloves smell bad is because of sweat build-up. My advice is to search for a glove that encourages maximum breathability. In addition, take off your glove in between shots to air the hand out.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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